Vehicle transporting apparatus

ABSTRACT

The apparatus disclosed comprises a rail car particularly suited for transporting automobiles and the like. The rail car shown includes a plurality of side doors pivoted about their lower edges so they can be swung from a vertical, closed position to a laterally extending position where their free edges can engage the ground. While the doors are in their laterally extending position, autos can be driven onto the doors and hooked thereto. Thereafter, the doors can be moved to a closed position, such as by a fork lift truck, and the autos are supported on the doors vertically, nose down. In the apparatus disclosed, each of the doors has both vertical and horizontal lock bolts which are interlocked so that they must both be locked before the fork lift can be removed following a door closing operation. The apparatus also includes auto engaging hook means which operate with the lock bolts to positively lock the autos to the doors.

Elnited States Patent [191 Ross, Jr. et a1.

[ 1 Dec. 3, 1974 VEHICLE TRANSPORTING APPARATUS [22] Filed: May 8, 1972[21] Appl. No.: 251,224

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 26,560, April 8,1970.

[52] US. Cl. 105/368 R, 105/368 T [51] Int. Cl B60p 7/08, 860p 3/06,B6ld 45/00 [58] Field of Search 105/368 R, 368 T, 367; 248/119 R; 296/1A; 214/119, 119 R, 38 R, 85

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,155,463 4/l939 Angell105/376 2,503,368 4/1950 Willetts.... 105/368 T 2,996,020 8/l96l Udstad105/367 3,605,636 9/1971 Blunden et a1. 105/368 T 3,613,914 lO/1971Jaekle 105/368 R 3,661,098 5/1972 .laekle et al. 105/368 R PrimaryExaminer-Drayton E. Hoffman Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lohn H. Mulholland[57] ABSTRACT The apparatus disclosed comprises a rail car particularlysuited for transporting automobiles and the like. The rail car shownincludes a plurality of side doors pivoted about their lower edges sothey can be swung from a vertical, closed position to a laterallyextending position where their free edges can engage the ground. Whilethe doors are in their laterally extending position, autos can be drivenonto the doors and hooked thereto. Thereafter, the doors can be moved toa closed position, such as by a fork lift truck, and the autos aresupported on the doors vertically, nose down. In the apparatusdisclosed, each of the doors has both vertical and horizontal lock boltswhich are interlocked so that they must both be locked before the forklift can be removed following a door closing operation. The apparatusalso includes auto engaging hook means which operate with the lock boltsto positively lock the autos to the doors.

2 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTEU DEC 1 74 W103 a; m

PATENIEL DEC 3 IBM SHEEI on mar 10 FIG. 7

PATENTEL BEE 31974 sum 05 8F 10 PATENTEL BEE 31974 sum as a; 1Q

PATENTELBEB 31914 5.851.596

sum mar-1 FIG. |4A '44 PATENTEL BEE 31974 sum ros as w VEHICLETRANSPORTING APPARATUS This is a division of application Ser. No.26,560, filed Apr. 8, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject invention is directed toward thetransportation art and, more particularly, to an improved apparatus fortransporting automobiles and the like.

The invention is especially suited for use in railway transportation ofautos and will be described with particular reference thereto; however,it will be appreciated the invention is capable of broader applicationand could be used in many types of transportation apparatus and fordifferent vehicles.

Rail cars for the transportation of autos have recently been developedin which the autos are vertically suspended, nose down, in side-by-siderelationship. In general, these rail cars include the usualundercarriages and frame. The upper, or auto supporting section of thecar comprises fixed, car end walls connected by a roof. The sides of thecar are side-by-side door assemblies that are hinged about their loweredges. The door assemblies are arranged so that they can be pivoted froma vertical position in which they extend between the floor of the carand the roof, to a lowered position in which they extend outwardly fromthe car with their free edge in engagement with the ground.

With the door assemblies in the lowered position, the autos are merelydriven or pushed onto the upwardly facing surfaces of the doors. Theautos are connected to the doors by hook assemblies which extend fromthe door and engage socket members connected to the autos frame.Thereafter, the doors are raised to their vertical, closed position,generally through the use of a modified fork lift truck or the like.Suitable door latch mechanisms are actuated to maintain the doorsclosed.

for receiving'and guiding an associated member, such as the fork of afork lift truck, for movement along the guideway in a first directionfor opening the door latches and in a second direction for closing thedoor latches. Lock bolt operating means extend between each of the lockbolt members and the guideway and This type of car is discussed in theAugust, 1969 issue a of Modern Railroads.

As can be appreciated, the latch mechanisms must be particularly simpleand sturdy to eliminate any possibility of the inadvertant openingduring transportation. Likewise, it is important that the latchmechanisms be in a closed position beforethe rail car is moved. Theseproblems are compounded by the weight of the door and the autos carriedthereon.

In addition to the above requirements and problems, the doors shouldpreferably be arranged so that they cannot easily be opened by vandalsor thieves. Also, the doors should be sealed relative to the rail carbody so that the autos are protected from the elements.

The subject invention provides a door assembly which meets the notedrequirements and overcomes the problems discussed. Door assembliesformed in accordance with the invention can be both simple and highlyeffective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, one aspect of the inventioncontemplates a door assembly comprising a door member having an innerface, an outer face, and a peripheral edge. Hinge means are provided formounting the door for swinging movement between an open position and aclosed position. At least two lock bolt members are carried by the doorfor movement between an open position and a closed position. Extendingalong the outer face of the door member is a guideway forming meansmeans are included for preventing the associated memher, when moving inthe latch opening direction, from opening the first lock bolt memberuntil the second lock bolt member is in an unlock position.Additionally, the operating means are arranged so that when theassociated member is moving in the latch closing direction, it cannot bewithdrawn from the door until the second lock bolt is in itslockposition.

As can be appreciated, by the provision of the interlocked boltactuating mechanism, human errors in opening and closing the door areeliminated. Note that the human operator cannot remove the associatedmember until the door is completely locked. Considering the possibledamage and loss which can result from inadvertent opening of the door,this fact is particularly significant. Similarly, when a powerfulapparatus such as a lift truck is used for opening the door, it isespecially important that no attempt be made to open the door until alllock bolts are open. The subject invention prevents this from happeninginadvertently.

A second aspect of the invention contemplates vehicle transportatingapparatus including at least one door assembly mounted for pivotingmovement about a generally horizontal axis between a generally verticaltransporting position and a generally lateral loading position. The doorassembly has an inner face with means to connect vehicles thereto, andouter face, and a peeripheral edge. At least one lock boltmember iscarried by the door for movement between a lock position and an openposition, and means are provided to continually bias said bolt membertoward said lock position.

Actuating means are associated with the assembly for moving saidlockbolt member from its locked position to its open position.Preferably, the actuating means include a cam lever member carried inthe door assembly and a cable extending between the cam lever and thelock bolt.

Another aspect of the invention contemplates that connecting means onthe inner face of the door includes movable means for positivelyconnecting the vehicles thereto. And, further, that the latch boltoperating mechanisms include means for simultaneously operating themovable means.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of adoor assembly of the general type described wherein the lock boltmechanisms are interlocked in a manner which prevents at least some ofthe latch bolts from being inadvertently left in the unlocked positionwhen the door is closed.

Another object is the provision of a vehicle transporting door assemblywherein the door mounted auto supporting members are provided withlocking assemblies arranged so that when the door is locked in itsclosed position, the autos are locked to the supporting members.

A further object is the provision of a vehicle transporting doorassembly in which the associated apparatus used for lifting and closingthe door assemblies cannot be removed from the door until after all lockbolts are closed.

Yet another object is the provision of a door assembly having lock boltassemblies with the actuators for at least one of the lock boltscomprising simple camlever and cable assemblies.

Still another object is the provision of a vehicle transportingapparatus of the type discussed in which the door assemblies arearranged to provide a good, weather-tight seal with body of theapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS These and other objects and advantageswill become apparent from the following description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferredembodiment of the invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rail car arranged for transporting autos andembodying features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the rail car shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an end elevation taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and showing thepreferred sequence followed in loading and unloading autos from the railcar;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the door assemblies usedin the rail car shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2and showing the internal structure of the door assemblies and theirrelationship to the car frame;

P16. 6 is a cross-sectional taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and showing thehook arrangement used to hold the autos to the door assemblies duringtransportation;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 4 and showingin detail the preferred lock plate actuating assembly of the autoengaging hooks;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG.4 showing the internal frame structure of two adjoining door assemblies;

FIG. 9view taken on line 99 of FIG. 6 and showing the assemblies usedfor moving the cover plates of the vehicle supporting hooks;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken on line 10-10 ofFIG. 9;

FIG. '11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG.4 and showing one of the vertical lock bolts and the mechanism providedfor moving in between locked and unlocked positions;

FIG. 12 is a view taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing the supportingguiding arrangement for the vertical lock bolt;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 11 showingthe vertical lock bolts cam lever operator and its mounting arrangement;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on line 14-14 ofFIG. 11 showing in detail the connecting drive cable arrangement whichextends between the cam lever and the vertical lock bolt;

FIG. 14A is a continuation of FIG. 14 and joins FIG. 14 along matchlines A-B and A-B' prime;

FIG. 15 is a detailed view showing the interlock arrangement between thevarious lock bolts;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken on ine 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view showing one of the horizontal lock bolt actuatingmechanisms;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 17 showingthe manual operating lever for the horizontal lock bolts used in onemodification of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a detailed view showing one of the manual operating levers;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 20-20 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a detailed view of a horizontal lock bolt actuating mechanismwhich has a modified interlock arrangement;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22-22 of FIG. 21; and,

FIG. 23 (sheet l) is a detail showing of the modified end portion of alift truck fork used for opening and closing the door assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawingswherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferredembodiments of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limitingsame, FIGS. 1 through 3 show the overall arrangement of a rail car 10arranged to transport vehicles such as automobiles. The car 10 includesthe usual frame 12 and typical wheeled undercarriages 14.

The particular type of rail car illustrated is a relatively recentdevelopment and is used to transport automobiles in a vertical positionon door assemblies mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.The door assemblies are arranged so that when they are swung to alowered position, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicles, such as automobiles,can be driven on to the doors and connected thereto. Thereafter, thedoors are swung upwardly to the closed, dotted line position shown inFIG. 3.

Although not of importance to the invention, the particular embodimentunder consideration, the car 10 is provided with five door assemblies 16on each side. Each of the door assemblies 16 will hereafter be describedin substantial detail; however, for present purposes, it is sufficientto note that each door assembly is adapted to receive three automobilesin side-by-side relationship. Thus, the car can carry a total of 30automobiles.

Rail Car Frame 12 The particular details of the frame 12 form no part ofthe subject invention, but as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the frameincludes an underframe 18 which extends the length of the car. Theunderframe 18 is formed from suitable structural frame members includingthe side sill members 20 and a center sill member 22. Both the members20 and 22 extend substantially the length of the car and areinterconnected by crossbearer members 24. A floor plate 25 extendshorizontally the length of the car and is connected to members 20, 22,and 24. Carried by the center sill member 22 and extending verticallyupwardly at spaced points along the frame are vertical column or supportmembers 26. The members 26 are connected at their upper ends byhorizontally extending channel members 28. Suitable diagonal bracemembers 30 are connected between the vertical supports 26 and thechannel members 28. Extending outwardly from opposite sides of thevertically supports 26 are beams 32 which support the car roof 34 and,additionally, have their outer ends interconnected by side plate members36 which extend the entire length of the car It).

Extending upwardly from the outer longitudinal edges of the under frame18 are short frame members 21 which form a short wall and support thedoor assemblies 16. Additionally, vertical side frame members 33 arepositioned between each of the door assemblies 16 and connected betweenthe base frame 18 and the roof support beams 32 (See FIGS. 2 and 5).

Door Assemblies 16 As previously mentioned, the door assemblies aremounted for pivotal movement about horizontal axes. Referring inparticular to FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be seen that each of the doorassemblies 16 is provided with hinge means which include four sets ofdownwardly extending hinge plate members 38. Members are in overlappingengagement with similar sets of hinge plate members 40 carried on thetop edge or surface of the short side wall formed by frame members 21.Suitable hinge pins 32 pass through the interleaved plates 38 and 40 toform a rigid hinge to allow the doors to be pivoted in the manner shownin FIG. 3.

The structural details of the doors themselves could, of course, takemany forms, but as best shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 8 in the embodimentunder consideration, each door includes a generally Zee member 39 whichextends throughout the width of the door and has the hinge plate members38 welded to its undersurface. Extending upwardly from the member 39 andformed as best shown in FIG. 8, is the main door drame structure whichis preferably formed from sheet metal. In general, the door framestructure is shown as including a plurality of vertically extending hatmembers 44. Each of the members 44 is spaced apart a distancesubstantially equal to the wheel base of the vehicles to be trans portedand provides a trackway for the vehicles to be driven on to the innersurface of the door when it is in the lowered position, such as shown insolid lines in FIG. 3. Note that each of the door assemblies 16 isarranged to transport three automobiles and thus for each complete doorassembly 16 there are six of the members 44 (see FIG. 4). Referringagain to FIG. 8, it will be noted that along the terminal edges of thedoor assembly there are somewhat S-shaped edge members 46 which areriveted or otherwise joined to the vertical edges of the outermostmembers 44. Additionally, connected between the legs of the member 44are plates 48. The location and arrangement of plates 48 can best beseen from FIG. 5. Between adjacent members 44 where are also connectedplates 50 with offset ends and plates 52 which provide the door withsubstantial lateral rigidity.

Associated with the plates 48 and, as best shown in FIG. 5, are a seriesof inclined plates 53, 54, 55 and 56 which extend from the edges ofplates 48 to the bottom of members 44. As can be seen from FIG. 5, thearrangement of the members 44 and plates 53 through 56 is such as toprovide, in effect, wells for receiving the wheels of the automobiles.It is to be understood that sets of the plates 48 and 53 through 56 areassociated with each of the vertical members 44. Additionally, betweenadjacent sets of members 44, there are reinforcing members best shown inFIG. 8 and including a vertically extending member 58 of generallytrapezoidal cross-section which is connected at its widest end to theinner-corner of the adjacent members 44. The members 58 form guidewaysfor receiving the fork of the lift truck used for opening and closingthe doors. This feature will be discussed more fully hereafter.

The outer free edge of the door is provided with plates 60 which extendbetween adjacent pairs of the members 44 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Members 60give additional lateral rigidity to the door assemblies and are enclosedat their upper ends by generally U-shaped members 62 which extend overthe ends of members 44 and provide a smooth incline over which thevehicles can ba driven when being loaded on the door as shown in FIG. 3.Also, suitable reinforcing members 63 and 64 are connected between thefree edges of plate 60 and members 50 (see FIG. 5).

Extending along the upper edge of member 62, as shown in FIG. 5, is aseal plate 66. While not shown in FIG. 4, it is to be understood thatthe seal plate 66 extends across all three of members 62 in any one doorassembly. The seal plate 66 is arranged so that when the door is in itsclosed position, the plate cooperates with a resilient seal strip 68carried on the roof 34 adjacent to channel members 36. Note that asshown in FIG. 5, with the door in the closed position, the seal plate 66resiliently deforms the member 68 and provides a water-tight roof lineseal for the interior of the railroad car 10.

Vehicle Engaging Assemblies 69 As can be appreciated, the vehicles beingtransported must be securely attached to the door assemblies,preferably, prior to the time a door is moved to the vertical position.For this reason, each of the door assemblies is provided on its innersurface with vehicle engaging assemblies 69 (see FIG. 6). Each of theassemblies 69 include a hook assembly 70 which is rigidly connected tothe door plate member 52 at locations adjacent the members 44. Themembers 70 are located so as to correspond to hook receiving or socketmembers 72 which are connected to the undercarriage of the automobileswhich are to be transported. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that asa vehicle is driven on to the door, the hooks 70 engage the members 72just as the vehicle moves into final position on the door frame with itswheels entering the wheel wells. Thereafter, the door can be moved tothe vertical position and the automobile is entirely supported from thebooks 70.

In the embodiment shown, engagement of the hooks 70 on the door with themembers 72 on the car frame does not take place until the wheels assumetheir final position in the wells. However, depending upon theparticular auto frame or undercarriage, it may be necessary to puttemporary or even permanent blocks to keep the auto elevatedsufficiently above the hooks to prevent hook interference as the auto isdriven onto the door.

In normal operation, the weight of the automobile and theinter-engagement of hooks 70 with the members 72 would be sufficient tomaintain the automobiles properly supported and located; however, it canbe appreciated that should the railroad car be violently jostled orbounced, it would be possible for a vehicle to become unhooked frommembers 70. For this reason, at least some of the hooks 70 are providedwith locking cap plate assemblies 74 which include means operable afterthe automobiles are in position for enclosing the open end of theassociated hook 70 to prevent the member 72 from falling off. Referringto FIG. 4, it will be seen that for each vehicle receiving location onthe door assembly 16, there are four of the hook assemblies 70.Preferably, at least one hook assembly of each set of four is providedwith a coverplate or lock plate assembly 74.

Although the coverplate assemblies could have many particulararrangements, the preferred embodiment can best be understood from FIGS.4, 6, 7, 9 and 10 of the drawings. As can be seen from FIG. 4, thecoverplate assemblies 74 are shown associated with the lower hookassemblies 70. Each of the assemblies 74 (as shown in FIG. 10) includesa generally rectangular metal plate 76 which extends horizontallythrough the door plate member 52 and slightly above the associated hook70. The members 76 are arranged for horizontal siding movement and passthrough slots 78 formed in member 52. Additionally, a guideplate iswelded to the inner side of plate 52 and engages the opposite surfacesof member 76. As best shown in FIG. 7, the guideplate 80 is welded toplate 52 and extends perpendicularly therefrom closely adjacent theassociated hook 70. As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, when thecoverplates 76 are moved to the right to the solid line position shown,they are above the associated hook member and the hook receiving member72 which is connected to the auto frame. Thus, it is not possible forthe hook receiving member 72 to slide upwardly off the hook. When movedto the left, the hook receiving member can, of course, be moved from thehook.

Although it could be possible to actuate the coverplate members 76individually, the subject embodiment provides a common actuatingmechanism which moves all of the coverplate members to and from theirlock or hook enclosed position simultaneously with actuation ofhorizontal lock bolts. The means provided include a common horizontallyextending bar 84 which is slidably mounted in the door frame assembly.As seen in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the member 84 has the coverplates 76welded to its side for movement therewith. As shown, member 84 iscarried by suitable slide bearings or guide members 86 which areconnected to the members 44 and the door frame members 50.

The drive means for moving the member 84 includes a vertically extendingshaft 88('see FIGS. 4 and 7) which'is carriedin brackets or bearingplates 90 and 92 which extend outwardly from the outer surface of thedoor assembly. As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 10, the shaft 86 has abracket 94 welded thereto and extending to the right as viewed in FIG.10. A link member 96 is connected to the outer end of the bracket 94 bya pin 98. The opposite end of the member 96 is similarly connected by apin 100 to a pair of spaced brackets 102. The brackets 102 extendoutwardly from a slidably mounted bar member 104 that is carried on theouter surface of the door by slide guides 106. A short connector plate108 connects from the back surface of bar 104 into engagement with themember 84 which carries the coverplate 76. Plate 108 is preferablywelded to both the bar 104 and the member 84. As can be appreciated, byrotating the shaft 88 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10, thebar member 104 and, accordingly, the member 84 and the associatedcoverplates 74 move to the left. The means for rotating the shaft 88could take many forms, but according to the first embodiment of theinvention, they include a manually actuable lever 108 (see FIGS. 4 and7) which is welded to the lower end of shaft 88.

In addition, to operating the coverplate assembly 74, the vertical shaft88 is also interconnected to operate the right hand horizontal lock boltassemblies 110 (see FIG. 4).

Horizontal Lock Bolt Assemblies 110 The door assemblies are arranged sothat when they move into their upper or closed position, first,vertically extending lock bolt assemblies 109 engage in openings formedin the roof beams 32 as best shown in FIG. 5. The detail of each of thevertical lock bolt assemblies 109 will subsequently be described. Inaddition to the lock bolt assemblies 109, the subject device providesfour horizontal lock bolt assemblies 110, 1 10a, 110b, and Ge. As bestshown in FIG. 4, the herizontal lock bolt assemblies 110 are arranged toengage bolt receiving openings formed in the vertically extending framemembers 33 that are positioned between each adjacent door assemblies 16.

Basically, each of the horizontal lock bolt assemblies 110 1100 aresubstantially identical. Referring to FIG. 17 and 18, the details of theupper right hand lock bolt assembly 110, FIG. 4, are shown. Asmentioned, the remaining lock bolt assemblies are substantiallyidentical; however, it should be understood that the left hand lock boltassemblies are of opposite hand and differ slightly as will subsequentlybe explained. The lock bolt assembly 110 includes a first lock boltmember 112 which is mounted for horizontal siding movement in a bracketmember 114 and carried on the marginal edge of the door assembly andconnected between the associated frame member 44 and the edge member 46.Additionally, an L-shaped bracket 116 slidable engages the inner end ofthe lock bolt member. The lock bolt 1 12 is horizontally aligned with anopening 118 formed in the outer flange of the adjacent vertical framemember 33. Accordingly, when the door is in .the closed position, thelock bolt can be moved horizontally to engage the opening 118 and lockthe door to the car frame.

. The means. for actuating the horizontal lock bolts could be of manytypes; however, the means preferably include a first slide member 104which is connected to the outer surface of the door and mounted for asliding movement horizontally therealong by slide brackets 122. A pinmember extends inwardly from the righthand end of the member 104 (asviewed in FIG. 18) and passes through an opening 124 formed in the lockpin 1 12. The member 104 is reciprocated by being connected to thevertical shaft 88 in the same manner as previously discussed withreference to the coverplate assemblies 69. Note that one of the brackets94 is welded to the shaft 88 at a location corresponding to thehorizontal elevation of the associated lock bolt. A connecting linkmember 96 is connected through a pin 98 with the bracket 94. Theopposite end of the link 96 is connected through a pin with the brackets102 which are joined at their inner end to member 104. Accordingly,rotation of the shaft 88 by the lever 108 causes movement of the slidemember 104 and the latch pin 112.

Referring again to FIG. 4, it should be pointed out that each of thehorizontal lock bolt assemblies 110, a, 110b, and 110:: have the samearrangement of the lock bolt portion per se, but differ slightly in thearrangement of their associated drive bars 104 through l04c. The drivebars 104a and 104b are identical but of opposite hand and have theirinner ends passing into interlock assemblies 130 whose construction andfunction will subsequently be described. The bar 1040 is, as can be seenin FIG. 4, shorter and terminates inwardly a short distance from theouter door edge.

Both the lock bolt assemblies 110b and 110C are actuated separately fromassemblies 110 and 11011. Note that a vertical drive shaft 88a arrangedand mounted in the same manner as described with reference to shaft 88extends vertically upward adjacent the lock pin assemblies llb and 110C.The shaft 88a is connected to these lock pin assemblies in the samemanner as previously described with reference to assemblies 110 and110a. Additionally, it is actuated by lever 108a carried at its lowerend at the same elevation as lever 108. Accordingly, with the door in aclosed position, actuation of levers 108 and 108a in a counter-clockwisedirection causes all four horizontal lock bolt assemblies to be movedoutwardly and engage the associated frame members 33.

Vertical Lock Bolt Assemblies 109 In addition to the horizontal lockbolt assemblies 110 1106, the door is also locked in a closed positionby two vertical lock bolt assemblies 109.

Althought the two vertical lock bolt assemblies could differ, in thesubject embodiment they are identical. Accordingly, only the right handvertical lock bolt assembly 109 (as viewed in FIG. 4) will be describedin detail. This description, however, is to be taken as equallyapplicable to the left hand vertical lock bolt assembly.

The functioning and details of the vertical lock bolt assemblies 109 canbest be understood by reference to FIG. 11 through 14a. As will benoted, each of the assemblies 109 is mounted so as to extend verticallybehind the frame members 58 which are between each auto carryingportions of the door assembly. Assemblies 109 each include an elongatedrectangular lock bolt member 140 mounted for sliding movement by abracket assembly 142 connected, for example, by rivets 144 which passthrough the plate member 48 and the adjacent flanges of the verticalframes 44. The latch member 140 is preferably continually biased in anoutward direction by a heavy compression spring 146 which is positionedbetween the lower end of the lock bolt 140 and a bracket plate 148connected to the frame plate 48. A tubular guide shaft 150 is welded tothe lower or inner end of lock bolt 140 and passes through an openingcarried in the guide plate 148. The lower end of the tubular member 150is threaded and a pipe cap 151 is releasably connected thereto.

The vertical lock bolt assembly is actuated to an open position througha cam and cable drive assembly 152. The drive assembly 152 includes afirst cam lever member 154 which is pivotally connected through a pin156 to a generally U-shaped bracket 158 which extends inwardly from theinner face of the door. As best seen in FIGS. 11 13, bracket 158includes a pair of L-shaped plate members 160 which are welded to thedoor frame members 52 and joined at their outer free ends by shortplates 162.

The cam lever member 154 is formed in a similar manner and includes apair of plates 164 joined in spaced relationship by plates 166 and 167.As shown, a bar member 168 extends between the two plates of cam lever154 and is pivotally connected to the plates 164 by a pin 170. The upperend of bar 168, as viewed in FIG. 11, is connected with the lower end ofshaft by a flexible steel cable 172. A guide roller 174 is carried bysuitable brackets extending inwardly from the inner surface of the doorframe and controls the movement of the cable 172.

The normal or closed position of the member 154 is shown in solid linesin FIG. 11, that it is maintained biased in a counter-clockwisedirection by the spring 146. In this position it extends downwardly intothe guideway formed by the door frame member 58.

At the lower end of bar member 168, a stop plate member 176 is pivotallyconnected by pin 178. The stop plate member 176 is also pivotallyconnected to the two plates by pin 180.

Operation of Vertical Lock Bolt Assemblies 109 The operation of the lockbolt assembly can best be understood with a brief description of theprocedures followed in moving the door assembly from the open positionshown in solid lines in FIG. 3 to a closed position. Although many typesof mechanisms could be used for moving the door to the closed position,in accordance with the subject embodiment the door is arranged to beclosed and the lock bolt members actuated through the use of a lifttruck such as that shown at 190 in FIG. 3. The lift truck has its forksection modified so that the two forks are spaced apart a distance equalto the spacing between the vertical lock bolt assemblies 109 on eachdoor assembly. Additionally, and for reasons which will hereafter bediscussed, the ends of the forks are provided with rollers 192 andlaterally extending guide sections 194 (see FIG. 23).

With the door in its lower position, shown in FIG. 3, and the autossuitably positioned and engaged with the hook assemblies 70, the forktruck is driven towards the outer free edge of the door and the'endsofthe fork enter the open ends of the frame members 58. As the forktruck is driven toward the door, the fork enter the members 58 and therollers 192 engage the bottom or inner surface of member 58. Continuedforward movement of the fork truck, combined with a lifting of the fork,causes the door to be pivoted about its hinges and moved approximatelyto the dotted line position 60, FIG. 3. Continued forward movementcauses the roller to engage the inclined surface 154a of the cam member154. As the fork truck continues to move towards the rail car, theroller acts against the surface 154a causing the cam member 154 to bepivoted in a clockwise direction retracting the lock bolt 140.Additionally, this causes the plate 178 to be pivoted in a clockwisedirection about pivot and its portion 176a enters the guideway formed bymember 58 to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 11. As the rollerpasses over cam member 154, the spring causes the lock bolt 140 toextend. As the door swings shut the lock bolt 140 is cammed inwardly byengagement of its outer end with the inclined surface on member 32 (seeFIG. 5). When the door is completely closed the spring extends bolt 140into the lock opening.

,Should the lock pin fail to extend, the member 176 remains in thedotted line position of FIG. 11, thereby preventing downward movement ofthe fork. The operator thus knows that the vertical lock bolts are notproperly engaged.

After the vertical lock bolts have been engaged, horizontal lock boltsare actuated outwardly to engage the vertical frame member 33 (see FIG.18). Thereafter, the fork is lowered to approximately position A in FIG.4. At this level, the vertical opening 58a in member 58 is sufficientlywide to permit the outwardly extending portions 194 of the fork to beretracted.

Interlock Assemblies 130 It is required that the car not be permitted tomove until the horizontal lock bolts have been secured in position Forthis reason, the subject invention provides an interlock arrangementwhereby the fork lift cannot be disengaged from the door until thehorizontal lock bolts have been moved to their closed or lockedposition. The interlock arrangement could take many forms within thescope of the invantion; however, one preferred form is as shown in FIGS.4, 15 and 16. Note that one of the interlock assemblies 130 ispositioned at the inner end of each of members 104a and 104b. FIGS. 15and 16 show the interlock assembly connected to member 104a. It is to beappreciated that the other interlock assembly is identical but ofopposite hand.

In the embodiment under consideration, interlock assembly 130 includes afirst plate member 200 which is riveted or otherwise firmly connected tothe end of member 104a. Member 120 is carried in a guideway forhorizontal sliding movement with 104a. The guideway includes a generallyU-shaped plate member 202 which is connected to the outer surface of thedoor frame assembly. Along the upper surface of plate 200 is connected alock plate member 206. The member 206 is pivotally connected betweenplate 200 and a bracket plate 208 connected to plate 200 by rivets 210.This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 16. The member 206 is carried onpin 212 which extends outwardly from plate 200 and through the bracket208. Additionally, it passes out through the U-shaped bracket 202 and isslidably received in a horizontally elongated slot formed through plate202. Because plate 206 is positioned immediately above the top edge ofmember 104a (as seen in FIG. 15), it cannot pivot in a counterclockwisedirection; however, the plate is always free to pivot in a clockwisedirection.

Mounted immediately below plate 206 is a second pivotal lock platemember 216. Plate 216 is mounted for pivotal movement on a pin 218 whichextends outwardly from the base member 201 and through the U- shapedframe or housing 202. The plate 216 is thus not free to movehorizontally with member 200. Plate 200, however, has a lip portion 220which extends outwardly under plate 216. With the horizontal lock boltsmoved into position, the plate 200 will be in the solid line positionshown in FIG. 15. Consequently, at that time, the plate 216 cannot bemoved in a clockwise direction but is free to pivot counter-clockwise.Conversely, when the lock bolts are in their open or retracted position,the portion 220 is under the left hand of plate 216 and the plate isfree to pivot in a clockwise direction but cannot pivotcounter-clockwise.

Operation of Interlock Assemblies 130 The importance of the two plates206 and 216 can best be understood by a description of their function ina door closing and a door opening operation. Assume that the door hasjust been moved to the closed position as previously discussed.Thereafter, continued downward movement will bring the forks to thelevel of the interlock assemblies 130. If the horizontal lock pins havenot been actuated downwardly, the plate 200 will be in its leftmostdotted line position identified by numeral 200. Additionally, the pivotplates 206 and 216 will be in the positions identified by numerals 206'and 216'. As the fork moves down in the guideway 58, it engages the topsurface of the outwardly extending plate 206. Since, as previouslydiscussed, plate 206 cannot pivot in a counter-clockwise direction,continued downward movement of the fork is not possible. Thus, thedriver immediately knows that the horizontal lock bolts have not beenmoved to their locked position and must take care of this operationbefore the withdrawal of the forks can take place. After the lock boltshave been closed, the plates 206 and 216 are in the solid line position.Plate 216 is, of course, extending outwardly across the guideway but canpivot counter-clockwise permitting the fork to move down to the opening58b (see FIG. 4) where the guide groove 58a is wider and retraction ofthe fork can take place.

Conversely, when it is desired to lower the door, the fork of the forklift truck is elevated to openings 58b of FIG. 4 and moved into theguideway formed by member 58. As the fork is moved upwardly to the levelof the interlock assembly 130, it will engage the outwardly extendingplate 216. If the horizontal lock bolts are in a locked position, plate216 is prevented from rotating in a clockwise direction by the presenceof lip 220 under its righ hand side. To continue the upward movement ofthe fork, the driver is required to unlock the horizontal lock bolts topermit the plate 216 to pivot out of the way to the position shown byline 216. The upward movement of the fork can thereafter be continued.Although engagement of plate 206 will take place, this plate is free topivot clockwise as previously mentioned.

When the rollers on the fork reach the level of cam lever 154 of thevertical lock bolt assemblies 109 (see FIG. 11), they engage the curvedsurface and pivot the cam plate 154 in the counter-clockwise directionto withdraw the vertical lock pins 140. Thereafter, the fork lift truckis moved in reverse and the extending portions 194 engage theundersurface of the inwardly turned flanges of member 58 and cause thedoor to be pivoted outwardly. v

The interlock assemblies 130 thus preform a very important function ofinsuring that prior to attempting to open the door, the horizontal lockbolts are open and, similarly, they assure that prior to withdrawing thefork lift, they have been locked.

Modified Form of Interlock Other types of interlock assemblies couldobviously be provided. FIGS. 20 through 22 show a modified interlockarrangement which secures automatic opening and closing of thehorizontal lock bolt during a door opening and closing operation,respectively.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 21 would be located at the samelocations as the assemblies 130. Additionally, when using thisembodiment, the manually operable levers 108 and 108a can be eliminatedand the length of the shafts 88 and 88a need to be only as long as thedistance between the horizontal lock bolt assemblies and 110arespectively.

Referring in particular to FIG. 21, the modified form of interlockassembly includes a plate 230 which is pivotally connected to the doorassembly by pivot pin 232. Pin 232 is welded at one end to a plate 234and at the other end to a U-shaped bracket 236. The bracket 236 ispermanently connected to the door frame such as by welding. It will beseen that the plate member 230 has a pair of outwardly extending legportions 230a and 23% arranged to extend across the groove 58a in member58. The plate 230 is connected to the end of member 104a by a pivot pin238.

With the plate 230 in the position shown by solid lines in FIG. 1, themember 104 is in its right most position and the horizontal latch boltat the end is engaged with the vertical frame member 33. However, whenthe plate 230 is pivoted in a clockwise direction to the dotted lineposition identified by numeral 230', the horizontal lock bolt is in aretracted or open position. Similarly, the lower horizontal lock boltcarried at the end of member 104a is caused to retract and extend by thedrive connection between members 104a and 104.

Although the drive connection could be the same as that disclosed inreference to the first embodiment, it is preferable to use thearrangment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. Note that the shaft 88 is carriedin suitable bearings or guide plates 240 and has crank arms 242connected at its opposite ends. The upper crank arm is connected tomember 104a by a pivot pin 244 which engages a bracket 246 welded to therear surface of member 104a. Similarly, the lower crank arm also isprovided with a pin 248 which is received in a generally similar bracket250 welded to the rear surface of member 104. Accordingly, movement ofthe upper member 104a causes rotation of shaft 88 and a correspondingmovement of member 104.

Operation of Modified Interlock Assembly To review briefly a sequence ofoperations using the interlock assembly of FIGS. 21 and 22, assume thatthe door assembly 16 is to be moved to a closed position. The sequenceof operations up to the time of engagement of the interlock assemblywould be the same as those previously described withreference to thefirst embodiment; however, when the fork of the lift truck had beenmoved to the level of the modified interlock assembly, it would engagethe outwardly extending portion 2300 of the plate 230 (this is assumingthat the horizontal lock bolts were in an open position). As the forkcontinued downward, the plate 230 would be caused to pivot in acounterclockwise direction moving the horizontal lock bolts to theclosed position. Conversely, on a door opening operation, as the forkmoved upwardly, it would engage the lower portion of member 230a.Continued upward movement would a pivot plate 230 in a clockwisedirection causing the horizontal lock bolts to be retracted.

Although many modifications of the preferred embodiments described abovewill become apparent upon a reading and understanding of thespecification, it is our intention to include all such modifications andalterations as part of our invention insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

l. A vehicle transporting apparatus including at least one door assemblymounted for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal axis betweena generally vertical transporting position and a generally lateralloading position, said door having an inner face, an outer face, and aperipheral edge; 5

at least one vehicle engaging and supporting member extending from saidinner face and including movable means for positively locking thevehicles to said door assembly;

at least one latch bolt member carried by said door assembly for lockingsaid door assembly in its transporting position;

and actuating means for substantially simultaneously operating saidmovable means and said latch bolt member.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the actuating means forsaid moveable means is manually operated.

1. A vehicle transporting apparatus including at least one door assemblymounted for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal axis betweena generally vertical transporting position and a generally lateralloading position, said door having an inner face, an outer face, and aperipheral edge; at least one vehicle engaging and supporting memberextending from said inner face and including movable means forpositively locking the vehicles to said door assembly; at least onelatch bolt member carried by said door assembly for locking said doorassembly in its transporting position; and actuating means forsubstantially simultaneously operating said movable means and said latchbolt member.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein theactuating means for said moveable means is manually operated.